Endangered gorilla dies at Mexico City zoo

MEXICO CITY – Zoo officials in Mexico City say an endangered western lowland gorilla has died as he was being prepared for transfer to another zoo.

The capital’s zoo and wildlife office said Thursday that the 24-year-old gorilla known as Bantu appeared to have suffered a heart attack after being sedated Wednesday night. Doctors spent 30 minutes trying to revive him.

Bantu was headed to the Guadalajara Zoo in western Mexico with the hope of mating with two females there.

Officials say the precise cause of death will be established following additional examinations. Bantu had spent his life at the Chapultepec Zoo in Mexico City.

The death comes after an international uproar over the gorilla Harambe was euthanized at the Cincinnati Zoo on May 28, after a young boy fell into its enclosure.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.